High doses of vitamin D could help slow progression of precursor to MS, study finds
Expert says broadening definition of disease could help patients access such treatments
IN THE NEWS: A diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), the early neurological symptoms that often progress into multiple sclerosis (MS), can be frightening for patients and their loved ones.
While medications can help prevent future episodes, a new study has found that high doses of vitamin D may also help slow the progression of both CIS and early relapsing-remitting MS.
Dr. Michael Sy, a UCI Health neurologist who was not involved in the study, spoke with Health Central about why it’s important that CIS symptoms are incorporated into an MS diagnosis. This helps patients to access other treatment options, such as high-dose vitamin D.
“In the past, CIS wasn’t included in the formal MS definition, but that has changed. What used to be considered CIS would now be considered MS, in many cases.”
Sy is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at UC Irvine School of Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. He is a board-certified neurologist whose focus is on multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system.
Sy is also involved in translational research and clinical trials studying demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.
Make an appointment at the UCI Health Multiple Sclerosis Program by calling 714-456-7720.
About UCI Health
UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The 1,317-bed system comprises its main campus UCI Medical Center, its flagship hospital in Orange, Calif., the UCI Health — Irvine medical campus, four hospitals and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties and a network of ambulatory care centers across the region. UCI Medical Center provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to the only Orange County-based National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves nearly 5.7 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).